Milan in talks with Barca over Bojan; Barton wants Marseille stay

AC Milan are set to open talks with Barcelona in an attempt to make Bojan Krkic’s loan deal permanent, A Bola has revealed.

The talented forward arrived at San Siro on loan with an option to buy for €15 million last summer, and he has done enough to persuade the Rossoneri chiefs to try and purchase his contract.

Milan and Barcelona are set to battle in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 stage this evening, and Adriano Galliani will take advantage of the opportunity to speak to Sandro Rosell about Krkic.

The Rossoneri hope Barcelona will agree to lower the amount of the buy-out clause, which would allow Milan to make the player’s loan deal permanent by the end of the season.

Even if he failed to establish himself as a first team regular at San Siro, Bojan has been showing a lot of potential this season and everybody at the club is happy with his contribution.

Krkic has scored a total of 3 goals and produced 2 assists for his teammates in 17 Serie A games, although it is important to note he only started 5 of those.

Barton wants Marseille stay

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has made it clear that he wants to remain at Marseille after his loan deal ends in the summer.

The former England international surprisingly opted to join the French giants in the summer, but that proved to be a great decision as he managed to kick-start his career in France.

Barton has reveled in the absence of media hype during his stay at Stade Velodrome and has quickly become an important player for OM.

He is now thankful to the French club for the opportunity and is eager to pay them back by staying as long as possible.

“I am often asked this question about my future and I want to stay,” Barton said at a press conference.

“Marseille believed in me when nobody believed in me. I want to repay this trust and I want to do so through my performances.”

Barton, 30, has made 12 Ligue 1 appearances for Marseille this season, while also featuring in 5 Europa League matches for the club.

Portland Timbers sign Silvestre

French defender Mikael Silvestre has signed a two-year contract with Portland Timbers, according to the club owner.

Former Manchester United defender has been a free agent since leaving Werder Bremen last summer, and he has spent his time at Old Trafford in an attempt to maintain his fitness.

Silvestre has spent last three weeks on a trial at Portland Timbers and the club officials were impressed enough to offer him a reported two-year deal.

“Barring visa hiccups, we’ve signed M. Silvestre. Will provide terrific leadership & had great chemistry w players/coaches during stay with us,” club owner Merritt Paulson wrote on his Twitter account.

During his fruitful career, the French defender has featured for Rennes, Inter, Arsenal and Werder Bremen, but he is best known for his ten-year spell at Old Trafford.

In total, Silvestre has made 249 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils and scored 6 goals in the process.

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